Liberty Media has agreed a deal with TV broadcasters ESPN and ABC to broadcast Sky F1’s coverage in the United States. The previous broadcaster, NBC, did not want to extend its television rights deal and the two channels hace agreed to broadcast the British pay-TV coverage.
At the end of last year, NBC, Formula One broadcaster in the United States announced that it would no longer broadcast F1 in the country, which it had been doing since the 2013 season. The Connecticut-based TV channel had lost the broadcast rights to ESPN, who already had the rights between 1984 and 1997; and ABC, who broadcast the first ever live-race in the US, back in 1962.
Now, it has been announced that both channels will broadcast the Sky F1 coverage, which is the main English-spoken coverage in the world and has several former drivers such as Paul Di Resta, Anthony Davidson or Johnny Herbert. All of the 21 races are expected to be broadcast.
“We are excited to work with the Sky Sports team.” Said ESPN’s Kate Jackson. “Their coverage of F1 is second to none and we look forward to bringing their expertise and authenticity to our audiences.”
“We are delighted to be working with ESPN and ABC, and with this partnership extend Sky Sports F1’s award-winning coverage overseas.” Added Scott Young, head of Formula 1 at Sky Sports. “Each season we look to find new ways to improve the broadcast and entertain our viewers and this year will be no different.”
